This report examines the four most recent waves of repression in Bahrain targeting freedom of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly. The crackdown is no longer limited to political opposition movements. It now includes socio-economic protests and public opinion movements, such as protests demanding jobs and accountability.
ADHRB documented a clear pattern. Authorities prevent gatherings before they happen, break up protests once they begin, and summon or arrest people for what they post online or say in public. Official statements are often issued to justify these actions, relying on weak legal arguments. At the same time, coordinated media campaigns attack activists and protesters through defamation and accusations of treason (Pages 1-2).
The First Wave: Opposition to Normalization with Israel and Protests Against the Israeli War on Gaza (Pages 4-7)
During the Israeli war on Gaza between October 2023 and November 2025, authorities cracked down on Bahrainis who showed solidarity with Palestinians. This included arrests, summonses, prosecutions, and the forced dispersal of demonstrations.
The case of Ebrahim Sharif, former Secretary-General of the National Democratic Action Society (Waad), stands out. After harsh detention conditions and an unfair trial based on part of a TV interview, he was sentenced on 8 January 2026 to six months in prison and fined 200 Bahraini dinars.
The Second Wave: Solidarity with the Prominent Imprisoned Opposition Leader, Mr. Hassan Mushaima (Pages 7-11)
In December 2025, the health of 78-year-old opposition leader Hassan Mushaima seriously worsened. In response, citizens began holding peaceful daily prayer gatherings at his home in Jidhafs. Despite their peaceful nature, authorities responded with repression. Starting 31 December 2025, Mushaima’s sons and supporters were repeatedly summoned, briefly detained, and threatened. Those targeted included activists Sayed Saeed Hashim, Ali Muhana, AbdulNabi AlHawaj, Munir Mushaima, Ali Naser, Ali Hammam, and photojournalist Sayed Baqer AlKamel. Armed forces surrounded the family home, blocked roads, raided homes and vehicles, and pursued participants into nearby villages. Dozens were detained, including minors. By 12 January 2026, the gatherings had been completely stopped.
The Third Wave: The Issue of Unemployment (Pages 11-18)
As unemployment worsened, unemployed young Bahrainis organized peaceful daily sit-ins in front of the Ministry of Labor in Isa Town in late 2025. Beginning 4 January 2026, authorities escalated repression. Dozens of protesters and supporters were summoned or arrested for “inciting public opinion.” More than 15 were referred to the Public Prosecution Office (PPO) on charges of “unlawful assembly.” Demonstrations outside government buildings were dispersed, and sit-ins held in open areas, such as the beach, were also broken up.
The case of 60-year-old activist Mohamed Abdulla AlSankis reflects the broader pattern. Following his ongoing act of protest, he was arrested seven times, and the complaints he filed about harassment were dismissed without investigation.
The Fourth Wave: The Killing of Fisherman Abdulla Hasan Yusuf (Pages 19-24)
On 20 October 2025, fisherman Abdulla Hasan Yusuf went missing after his boat collided with a Coast Guard patrol. Authorities claimed that his boat struck the patrol vessel. Many people questioned this version and demanded an independent investigation. Authorities responded to protests and online outrage by summoning and arresting dozens, including Abdulla’s two companions, who were detained for weeks.
Mamdooh Hasan Abbas AbuRuwais, who revealed Abdulla’s skull fracture, was arrested on 7 November. Over 115 people were summoned, and more than 40 were detained, including minors. Detainees, including activists Ali Hammam and Ali Muhana, faced charges of “inciting hatred against the regime” and were reportedly denied prayer, adequate food, and medical care. Elderly activist AbdulMajid Abdulla (Hajji Sumood) was summoned after heart surgery, placed under a travel ban, and later detained.
All detainees, including the two fishermen, were eventually released. The case was closed without accountability, without publishing the investigation results, and without compensation, while arrests and summonses continued into early 2026.
The Authorities’ Use of Systematic Media and Online Campaigns Against Those Who Exercise Freedom of Opinion, Expression, and Peaceful Assembly (Pages 24-27)
Authorities also rely on organized media and online campaigns to discredit activists and protesters. Pro-government accounts, often called “electronic flies,” spread accusations, defamation, and sectarian attacks.
After Ebrahim Sharif’s arrest, online campaigns accused him of supporting terrorism, spying for Iran, glorifying “traitors,” participating in hostile conferences, and spreading false news. Unemployed protesters were also mocked and accused of serving Iran and treason, turning their legitimate socio-economic demands into a political and security issue.
Conclusion (Pages 27-28)
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights, an end to vague criminal accusations, and the reopening of public spaces. ADHRB also urges the establishment of an independent monitoring mechanism, accountability for perpetrators, compensation for victims, and international action to support a transition toward a democratic system.
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New waves of suppression of freedoms of opinion, expression, and peaceful assembly in Bahrain
